My wife and I with Joshua Fields Millburn (left) and Ryan Nicodemus (right) also known as "The Minimalists" at the Seattle screening of their new documentary on Minimalism.

Your attention is in high demand. Most prevalently through the glowing screen, you're reading this on right now.

That's part of living in a consumerist society; constantly reminding us that we need all these things to make us whole.

Is your life today a product of this conditioning?

For most us, on different levels, yes. We have a choice to choose but instead, we let our environment and feelings control us. In making this choice, we become reactive and subject to manipulation.

Over time, our sense of self-worth becomes dependent on the things we own. We become excessively concerned with material possessions, or money-oriented. We live under the illusion that all these things add the greatest value to our lives.

But a study suggests that even though we already know this, we still engage in mindless buying activities and unnecessary spending.

A message (a movement) that's gaining popularity and millions of followers through their blog and podcast; and most recently their new documentary on minimalism.

I first learned about Joshua and Ryan from their TEDx Talk titled "A rich life with less stuff". Since then I've stayed in touch with their work and message through their weekly podcast.

For me, minimalism is about living with less to gain space, time, energy, and perspective. It's about being intentional with the things I buy and keep by asking why.

Minimalism is all-inclusive. It's not a religion and there is no right or wrong way to be a minimalist. Here's how The Minimalists describe minimalism on their site:

Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in life and forget about what truly matters. This is why I listen to The Minimalists podcast during my daily commute. It helps me reinforce a value that I carefully selected to have more control of my life.

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” – Confucius